10+ Best Articles on Metacognition
The most useful articles and videos on metacognition from around the web—beginners to advanced—curated by thought leaders and our community. We focus on timeless pieces and update the list whenever we discover new, must-read articles or videos—make sure to bookmark and revisit this page.
Top 5 Metacognition Articles
At a glance: these are the articles that have been most read, shared, and saved on metacognition by Refind users in 2023 so far.
Videos
Watch a video to get a quick overview.
12 Cognitive Biases Explained - How to Think Better and More Logically Removing Bias
We are going to be explaining 12 cognitive biases in this video and presenting them in a format that you can easily understand to help you make better decisi...
«You don't know what you don't know.»
Why you think you're right
Perspective is everything, especially when it comes to examining your beliefs. Are you a soldier, prone to defending your viewpoint at all costs -- or a scout, spurred by curiosity? Julia Galef examines the motivations behind these two mindsets and how they shape the way we interpret information, interweaved with a compelling history lesson from 19th-century France. When your steadfast opinions are tested, Galef asks: "What do you most yearn for? Do you yearn to defend your own beliefs or do you
Short Articles
Short on time? Check out these useful short articles on metacognition—all under 10 minutes.
Systematic inventive thinking: the power of thinking inside the box
When talking about creativity, many people will tell you: “Think outside the box!” The catchphrase is so common in management consulting and business environments, it has become a bit of a cliché.…
«Thinking inside the box often provokes resistance as it runs counter to some of the most ubiquitous intuitions about innovation. However, it’s a formidable creative thinking tool which is actually fun to use.»
Which Matters More: Method or Motivation?
Surprising results about what matters for learning from a famous study.
«you need a system. You need to understand how learning works, and how you can make best use of your time to make a difference.»
Inversion: The Crucial Thinking Skill Nobody Ever Taught You
One of the best ways to solve problems in life is to use the mental model of inversion. Read this article to learn how to become a better thinker today.
«Imagine the most important goal or project you are working on right now. Now fast forward six months and assume the project or goal has failed.»
In Mathematics, It Often Takes a Good Map to Find Answers
Mathematicians try to figure out when problems can be solved using current knowledge — and when they have to chart a new path instead.
«“I think one of the reasons we were stonewalled was not because we didn’t have the right techniques, but because the problem wasn’t put in the right conceptual framework,” McMullen said. “The changed question suggested the changed techniques.”»
Long Articles
These are some of the most-read long-form articles on metacognition.
The Map Is Not the Territory
The map of reality is not reality. Even the best maps are imperfect. That's because they are reductions of what they represent. If a map were to represent the territory with perfect fidelity, it would…
«A model might show you some risks, but not the risks of using it. Moreover, models are built on a finite set of parameters, while reality affords us infinite sources of risks.»
Critical Thinking
First published Sat Jul 21, 2018 Use of the term ‘critical thinking’ to describe an educational goal goes back to the American philosopher John Dewey (1910), who more commonly called it ‘reflective…
«Critical thinking is a widely accepted educational goal. Its definition is contested, but the competing definitions can be understood as differing conceptions of the same basic concept: careful thinking directed to a goal.»
How can we develop transformative tools for thought?
Shared by 1790, including Andy Matuschak, Phillip Murphy, Mario Clemente, Evan (he/him), Richard MacManus
«Unfortunately, those steps are poorly supported by existing media.For more on this argument, see Andy Matuschak, Why books don’t work (2019).»
Knowledge Is Not a Thing
What is knowledge? In the age of misinformation, exploring this question is more important than ever.
The Making of an Expert
New research shows that outstanding performance is the product of years of deliberate practice and coaching, not of any innate talent or skill.
«All the superb performers he investigated had practiced intensively, had studied with devoted teachers, and had been supported enthusiastically by their families»
Publications
We monitor hundreds of publications, blogs, newsletters, and news sources in Metacognition, including:
Quanta Magazine
Big ideas in science and math. Because you want to know more. Launched by @SimonsFdn. 2022 Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Reporting. http://quantamagazine.org
Ness Labs
The learning community for ambitious knowledge workers. Join us to think better, learn faster, and work happier: http://nesslabs.com/membership 🧠✨
Scott Young
My book, ULTRALEARNING, is out now: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/ultralearning/
Lawrence Yeo
Writer. Illustrator. Storyteller.
Harvard Business Review
The best ideas in business and management to help people, organizations, and economies work better.
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We monitor hundreds of sources on metacognition, including Quanta Magazine, Ness Labs, Scott Young, Lawrence Yeo, Harvard Business Review, and many more.
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